Evaluating Commercial Buffers for Storing Human Gut Samples and Studying Variations in Gut Proteins Between People

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of various commercial and non-hazardous buffers for preserving human gut fecal samples over time. This observational study focuses on comparing these buffers to directly frozen samples using metaproteomic analysis, aiming to establish standardized protocols for sample preservation in gut microbiome research. The study also explores individual variations in gut proteomes by collecting fecal samples periodically from volunteers, addressing a critical gap in metaproteomic reproducibility and comparability. Participants will collect fecal samples that will be stored in five different buffers and compared to control samples frozen immediately. Samples are kept at controlled temperatures for set periods 2, 5, and 10 days before freezing for analysis. The study has two phases first, assessing buffer effectiveness with six participants providing samples once second, investigating gut proteome variability by collecting multiple samples over four weeks from 46 participants. Questionnaires on health and bowel habits accompany sample collection. Participants will provide fecal samples using supplied collection devices and preservation tubes. The samples undergo detailed metaproteomic profiling to evaluate protein, taxonomic, and functional changes. Researchers will measure outcomes including the abundance of specific gut bacteria and participant characteristics like age, sex, and recent antibiotic use. The study includes careful safety monitoring and expects participants to actively complete questionnaires and provide samples during the study period ending in September 2025.

PRObing The Efficacy of Commercial Stage Storage Buffers and Evaluating Gut Metaproteome Variability Between Individuals